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2006-09-25 07:25:09 · 10 answers · asked by Keith M 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Consider the following: Jesus tells the story of three men who were given money. (You can read the story in Matthew 25). Two of the men invested the money and increased its value. They were rewarded for being faithful with the master's money. The last did not increase, or even invest the money. Instead he buried it away. When the master found out, he was angry and had the man cast in hell. He told the man he should have at least put the money into the bank where it could get interest.
Would appear the Jesus expected people to have some kind of increase, growth, or investment going on with their money. Did Hesupport the "get rich quick", "grab all you can", and "heap it up for yourself" lifestyle? No. But many of the men in the Bible, such as Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Davdid, Solomon, etc. were men of great wealth.
What Jesus taught was that there is a PURPOSE to wealth. It is not for the individuals personal pleasure, but as a tool for helping others.
Perhaps that is like Willian Hersey, who in the great depression increased his factories (and his own wealth in the process) so that he could create jobs. He even supplied his workers with free homes. What profit he did make personally was almost entirely poured by into orphanages for abandoned boys.
There have been many Christian businessmen over the years who have build fortunes, employed people, improved the economy to where we enjoy the highest standard of living today, and then poured the vast majority of their fortune back into works that helped to feed, house, educate, cloth, etc. millions of people who could not have survived without that money. I have read of many who lived on 10% of their income and gave the 90% to charity. Can you? Then perhaps you need some increase in your fiances so you can give more to others.
So while Jesus warned of the richest that can come from wealth, you also called more than one rich person to follow him by using their wealth in giving to the poor. (Rich young ruler and Zaccheus are examples). He had several wealthy women listed (Luke 5) who gave regularly to his ministry.
He explained how a rich person is used in the kingdom of heaven when he said "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of needle, then for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven". (See Matthew 19:24). The "eye of a needle" was a small gate that was used after dark when the main city gate was locked. It was only large enough for one person at a time. So a camel had to be unloaded and the "stuff" shoved through first. Then the camel knelt down and crawled in. A rich man enters heaven by sending his "stuff" first, and then coming on his spiritual knees afterwards. But once in, the camel is reloaded. And so a "rich man" is often used a "paymaster" in the kingdom of God. Because he has come on his knees to God, he can be trusted to properly steward finances once he is in.
2006-09-25 07:56:16 · answer #1 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are 2 distinct aspects of the church: the business and the spiritual. The minister is the leader of the spiritual and a board of governors is responsible for the business. The fact is the best quote might be: Render unto Cesars what is Cesars and render unto God what is God's.
To maintain buildings and pay the utility bills it is imperative to have the financial support of your congregation. To teach spiritual principles of action and life, it is important to have a good spiritual leader (minister).
2006-09-25 07:29:36 · answer #2 · answered by jmmevolve 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that the scene of Christ in the temple with the money changers and vendors is a clear sign that Commerce is not something to strive towards in the church. I recognize that this may stray from televangelic means of income but thats how i see it.
2006-09-25 07:30:05 · answer #3 · answered by zero 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exodus 25:8 talks approximately what a church is: "Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and that i will stay between them." Now in case you want to rollerblade interior the presence of God in His sanctuary, it incredibly is a Holy place, then you definately've that suitable. we are given loose will. permit me be responsive to the way it works out for you. Myself, i does no longer dream of disrespecting God like that. Mr. Everhard: Kings 3:10 says "The LORD grew to become into thrilled that Solomon made this request. "
2016-10-01 08:40:33 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Capitalism is supported by the Bible. Jesus was a small businessman himself: a carpenter and a fisherman.
2006-09-25 07:29:07 · answer #5 · answered by robertbdiver 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All I know is how thrilled Jesus was when the money lenders set up shop in the temple. I think that was one of the few times he lost his cool and started upending fruit carts and stuff.
I think he even said the "s" word...
2006-09-25 07:27:02 · answer #6 · answered by Bran McMuffin 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's wrong and I don't think Christ would approve of people profiting in his name.
2006-09-25 07:36:07 · answer #7 · answered by Balaam's Talking Donkey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One cannot serve both God and Mammon
2006-09-25 07:26:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, it's simple. its stealing. the bible says "thou shalt not steal." therefore, its biblically wrong.
2006-09-25 07:27:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If God doesn't like money, then why did he create prostitution?
2006-09-25 07:26:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋